Introduction to Shariáh
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 152 pages
- 15 units
This course introduces students to *Sharī'ah*, exploring its meaning, scope, and importance in Islam. It examines the relationship between Islam, *Sharī'ah*, and *Fiqh*, and the sources of Islamic *Sharī'ah* such as the Qur'an and Sunnah. The course also covers the development of Islamic schools of thought, including the Hanafī, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbalī schools. Additionally, it delves into modern trends in *Sharī'ah* and the *Sharī'ah* system in respect of Shī'ah.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL231, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL231 · UNIT 1 MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF SHARĨ’AH
Every unit contains a list of references and further reading which are meant to deepen your knowledge of the course. We hereby provide a list containing some of them. Try to get as many as possible of those textbooks and materials.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the lexical and technical significance of Sharī'ah
- Relate the importance of Sharī'ah in the life of Muslims
- Discuss the indispensable roles that Sharī'ah plays in the practice of Islãm
- Highlight and define the sources of Islamic law
- Identify the four Schools of Islamic thought
- Explain the Shī'ah and their Sharī'ah system
What it prepares you for
- Legal Advisor
- Religious Affairs Consultant
- Islamic Finance Expert
- Sharia Compliance Officer
- Researcher
- Islamic Finance
- Law
- Religious Organizations
- Education
- Consulting
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah
Unit 3: Ijmā': Concensus of Opinions
Understanding the different interpretations and applications of Ijmā' requires careful analysis and comparison of various legal opinions.
- Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah
Unit 4: Qiyãs (Analogical Deduction)
The principles and conditions governing Qiyãs require strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of legal reasoning.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Preliminaries
Unit 1: Meaning and Importance of Sharĩ'ah · 2 hours
Define *Sharĩ'ah* lexically and technically. Explain the importance of *Sharĩ'ah* in Muslims' lives.
- Week 2Module 1: The Preliminaries
Unit 2: Concept and Scope of Sharĩ'ah · 2 hours
Discuss the concept and scope of *Sharĩ'ah*. Differentiate *Sharĩ'ah* from other legal systems.
- Week 3Module 1: The Preliminaries
Unit 3: Relationship between Islãm, Sharĩ'ah and Fiqh · 2 hours
Analyze the relationship between Islãm, *Sharĩ'ah*, and *Fiqh*. Compare the three terms.
- Week 4Module 1: The Preliminaries
Unit 4: Pre-Islãmic Arab customs and reforms introduced by Islãm · 2 hours
Explain pre-Islamic Arab customs. Discuss reforms introduced by Islãm.
- Week 5Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah
Unit 1: The Qur'ān as a Source of Sharĩ'ah · 2 hours
Discuss the significance of the *Qur'ān* as the primary source of *Sharĩ'ah*. Classify the contents of the *Qur'ān*.
- Week 6Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah
Unit 2: Sunnah as the Second Primary Source of Sharĩ'ah · 2 hours
Explain the significance of *Sunnah*. Discuss the importance of *Hadīth* for religious and legal purposes.
- Week 7Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah
Unit 3: Ijmā': Concensus of Opinions · 2 hours
Define *Ijmā'* and give its basis. Highlight the divisions of *Ijmā'*.
- Week 8Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah
Unit 4: Qiyãs (Analogical Deduction) · 2 hours
Define *Qiyãs*. Explain variant views on the application of *Qiyãs*.
- Week 9Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah
Unit 5: Al-Ijtihād (Exercise of Reasoning) · 2 hours
Define *al-Ijtihād*. Explain the role of I. Imãm a`sh-Shāfi'ī in its support.
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 1: The Beginning of the Schools of Thought · 2 hours
Explain the beginning of Islamic schools of thought. Identify factors responsible for their establishment.
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 2: Imãm Abū Ḥanīfah and His School · 2 hours
Give an account of the life history of Imãm Abū Ḥanīfah. Highlight his contributions to Islãmic jurisprudence.
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 3: Imãm Mālik and His School · 2 hours
Give an account of the life history of Imãm Mālik. Discuss his contributions to Islãmic law.
- Week 13Module 3:
Unit 4: Imãm A`sh-Shāfi' i and His School · 2 hours
Discuss the life history of Imãm al-Shāfi'i. Explain his contributions to the development of *Sharĩ'ah*.
Unit 5: Imãm Hambal and School · 2 hours
Discuss the life history of Imãm Ahmad b. Hanbal. Explain his contributions to the development of *Sharĩ'ah*.
Preparing for the exam
- Create a detailed study schedule allocating specific time for each module and unit
- Focus on understanding the core principles of each source of Islamic law (Qur'an, Sunnah, Ijmā', Qiyãs)
- Compare and contrast the methodologies of the four Sunni schools of thought
- Review key definitions and concepts related to Sharī'ah, Fiqh, and Usul al-Fiqh
- Practice applying the principles of Qiyãs to hypothetical legal scenarios
- Prepare concise summaries of the biographies and key contributions of the major Imams
- Analyze past exam papers to identify frequently tested topics and question formats
- Participate actively in online forums or study groups to discuss challenging concepts and clarify doubts
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and incorporate feedback into your study notes
- Prioritize understanding the differences between Sunni and Shi'a perspectives on Sharī'ah
- Create concept maps linking different sources of Islamic law and their applications
- Focus on understanding the conditions for valid Ijtihad and its limitations
- Practice essay writing to articulate your understanding of complex topics in a clear and concise manner
- Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice before the final examination
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL231 about?
This course introduces students to *Sharī'ah*, exploring its meaning, scope, and importance in Islam. It examines the relationship between Islam, *Sharī'ah*, and *Fiqh*, and the sources of Islamic *Sharī'ah* such as the Qur'an and Sunnah. The course also covers the development of Islamic schools of thought, including the Hanafī, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbalī schools. Additionally, it delves into modern trends in *Sharī'ah* and the *Sharī'ah* system in respect of Shī'ah.
How many units does ISL231 have?
ISL231, Introduction to Shariáh, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 152 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL231?
ISL231 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is ISL231 hard?
ISL231 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does ISL231 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is ISL231 assessed?
ISL231 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL231?
Legal Advisor, Religious Affairs Consultant, Islamic Finance Expert, Sharia Compliance Officer and Researcher.